The Trump administration has issued a memorandum directed at the federal workforce, mentioning four guidelines ordered by the president. One of the main measures is the requirement for the majority of workers to return to their offices full-time, including those who have been working remotely due to COVID-19.
The memorandum highlights that those officials who decide to resign voluntarily may receive around eight months' salary, as long as they make the decision before February 6. It emphasizes the need for excellence at all levels of the federal workforce, pointing out that loyalty, reliability, and dedication to daily work are fundamental qualities.
The memo warns that under the Trump administration, the majority of federal agencies will face staff cuts, while employees will be required to comply with stricter standards of suitability and conduct. There is also an option for a "deferred resignation letter" for those employees who wish to take advantage of the compensation program.
This measure, seen as a form of pressure for workers who do not consider themselves loyal to the new administration to leave their jobs, has raised concerns in various sectors. The president of the government employees' union, Everett Kelley, has expressed worry about the potential consequences of a decision that could cause chaos in a government that relies on its federal employees to function effectively.
The offer of compensation for resigning from their jobs has been criticized as a tactic to force out employees who are not aligned with the current administration. Although the long-term implications of this measure are still uncertain, it is evident that the departure of a considerable number of federal employees could affect various sectors, from health to national security.
